NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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In an effort to better protect seniors in our community, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce and Simcoe.com have launched a fundraising campaign to bring Project Lifesaver to Barrie.
Together with a powerful group of dedicated community members, we are raising $25,000 to purchase Project Lifesaver receivers and transmitter bracelets that will be used to track and locate our vulnerable residents.
"We feel it's of utmost importance to bring Project Lifesaver to Barrie, so we don't lose another senior in our community ever again," said Kris Hughston, president of Barrie Chamber of Commerce, referring to the Feb. 3 disappearance of Mandy Thompson. Thompson wandered from her Barrie home and despite numerous searches the 72-year-old has not been located.
Project Lifesaver combines radio technology with a coordinated police response to locate wandering individuals. Partners include: City of Barrie, Barrie Police Service, Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services, Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, Barrie Chamber of Commerce, and Simcoe.com.
"With the aging of society and the fact that people are living longer, it's just a reality that we will have more people living with dementia and probably living for longer with dementia. And, as we've seen in recent tragic circumstances, it's all too easy to lose someone who goes wandering," said Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman. "I think the technology has the promise of taking what could be a tragedy and preventing it."
We are calling on individuals and business leaders to contribute to this lifesaving project. All donations are welcome. There are four sponsorship levels: Friend ($500); Caregiver ($1,000); Companion ($2,500); and Hero ($5,000).
We are calling on individuals and business leaders to contribute to this lifesaving project. All donations are welcome. There are four sponsorship levels: Friend ($500); Caregiver ($1,000); Companion ($2,500); and Hero ($5,000).
Donations can be dropped off at the Barrie Chamber of Commerce office: 121 Commerce Park Drive, Unit A, Barrie. Please make cheques out to Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue and you will be issued a charitable tax receipt.
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